Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: determine acceleration using the gradient of a velocity–time graph
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the relationship between velocity, time, and acceleration on a v‑t graph.
  • Calculate acceleration by determining the gradient of a straight‑line segment on a v‑t graph.
  • Apply the gradient method to solve problems using the equations of motion.
  • Identify common errors when reading gradients and correct them.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed v‑t graph worksheets
  • Graph paper and rulers
  • Calculator
  • Whiteboard markers
  • Exit ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a car accelerating and ask students how they could tell the acceleration from the motion. Review that velocity is the slope of a displacement‑time graph and that acceleration is the change of velocity over time. Explain that today they will learn to read acceleration directly from the gradient of a velocity‑time graph and will demonstrate this in a worked example.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students sketch a simple v‑t graph for constant speed and discuss the meaning of its slope.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain that the gradient of a straight‑line segment on a v‑t graph equals acceleration (a = Δv/Δt) and relate it to v = u + at.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Work through the car example step‑by‑step, calculating the gradient and stating the direction of acceleration.
  4. Collaborative activity (10'): In pairs, students use worksheet graphs to identify straight‑line sections, choose two points, compute the gradient, and interpret the result.
  5. Check for understanding (8'): Quick clicker quiz and teacher questioning to ensure students can explain each step.
  6. Summary & exit ticket (5'): Students write one correct method and one common mistake on an exit ticket before leaving.
Conclusion:
Summarise that the gradient of a straight‑line segment on a v‑t graph gives the constant acceleration, reinforcing the link to the algebraic formula. Ask students to complete an exit ticket describing the steps they would take for a new graph. For homework, assign two practice questions from the source to solidify the method.